International Friendships for Good

A healthy friendship by its nature is good for the two people in it, but when good friends work towards the good of many, now that’s a special kind of friendship.

This International Friendship Day 2020 - a day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly "to celebrate friendship between people from varying cultures and backgrounds, as a way to inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities" - Our Better World celebrates that special kind of friendship that goes beyond culture, country and community. Friends who leverage on each other’s differences, rely on one another’s strengths and take bold risks to pursue their audacious dreams of creating a positive impact in the world.

Friends across borders taking action for a better world. Friends for good.

Friends for a Better Ecological World

Ben with Arie's family

In 2015, Ben from Singapore took a trip to North Sumatra on a reforestation project. Little did he know that the seeds of the friendship he made with Arie would lead to their paths crossing again four years later and grow into one dedicated to their aspiration for a better ecological world. Click here for their friendship story.

Fostering Friendships, Seeding Change

Wendy with her friends from far and wide

What happens when many international and local volunteers work together? Friendships are forged, understanding is developed and an openness to learning about and respecting different cultures becomes the seeding ground for change. This was Wendy’s experience when she flew from Singapore for a six-month volunteer teaching stint in Laos. Click here for the full story.

Friends for Healthcare and Humanity

Venita and Dr A

If you are fortunate enough to have a mentor in your life, you know what a wellspring of learning and wisdom that can be. Mentors have a huge influence in not only your professional life, but also in building your character and shaping your values. That was the case for Venita from Indonesia and her mentor-friend Dr Akhileswaran from Singapore who share a passion for quality of life and palliative care. Be inspired by their story here.

How a Regional Friendship Used Honey to Transform Lives

Gabriel and Thae Su

In June 2019, Gabriel went to Myanmar from Singapore to empower confident leaders to become social entrepreneurs. The drive and passion of one of the participants, Thae Su, and their shared passion to see poverty eradicated through education, compelled Gabriel and Thae Su to work together and help students start a profitable honey business in Yangon. Their international friendship, Gabriel believes, will create a more harmonious ASEAN.

Two Friends’ Journey of Jugaad*

Edward and Irwan with their hero, Nobel Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus

Edward from Singapore took a once-in-a-lifetime, 15-day train journey across India to meet over 500 aspiring changemakers from across the country. Little did he know how meeting Irwan on that epic journey would lead to both of them to creating a non-profit impact fund for small social entrepreneurs in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Find out more about their friendship journey here.

A Friendship No Distance Can Crush

Linus and Joseph

Sometimes, life sends you a friend who can help you continue to do the good work that you’ve already embarked on. In so doing, you get to help one another become better human beings and work together for the good of deserving but disadvantaged children. That’s the story of Linus from Singapore and Joseph from Myanmar.